Using Qualitative Research to Teach Community Practice in a Post-Truth Era

• In Event: 31.091 - Fairmont Royal York Roundtable Session Five
  In Roundtable Session: 31.091-6 - Methodological and Conceptual Explorations to Uncover Layered Social Contexts

Abstract

This project focuses on the learning experiences of Master of Social Work (MSW) students in an Advanced Community Practice course. The primary pedagogical method for the class was qualitative research, specifically, photovoice method, to engage in community practice. The MSW students completed a photovoice project on transforming campus rape culture in which they recruited undergraduate students as participants. As coursework, students generated reflection papers, online discussion posts, and an evaluation of the project. These artifacts constituted the data to evaluate the role of qualitative research in teaching community practice in a post-truth era. By engaging in a grounded theory approach in analyzing the data, three categories emerged: a) supporting cultural competence, b) facilitating self-awareness, and c) viewing truth as multi-faceted.

Authors

• M. Candace Christensen, University of Texas at San Antonio

• Inci Yilmazli Trout, University of the Incarnate Word

• Beatrix F. Perez, San Antonio College